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In the modern world, ''yoga'' is often misunderstood as a regimen of physical postures and breathing exercises for health or relaxation. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the actual purpose of becoming a ''yogi'' is far more profound: it is to re-establish our eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. While the ancient mechanical systems of ''yoga'' are difficult to practice in this age, the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness offers a simple, direct method by which anyone can become a perfect ''yogi''.

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===True Meaning of Yoga ===
The Sanskrit word ''yoga'' implies linking or connecting. Therefore, a ''yogi'' is one who strives to connect with the Absolute Truth. Śrīla Prabhupāda distinguishes between a ''yogi'' and a ''bhogī'' (one who seeks sense enjoyment). He asserts that one cannot be a ''yogi'' while simultaneously indulging the tongue and senses. True ''yoga'' requires ''indriya-saṁyama'', or strict control of the senses, which is the first condition for spiritual advancement.

* [[Vaniquotes:Our real purpose of life is to become yogi. Yogi means to reestablish our connection, our lost connection, with God. At the present moment, in our material condition, we have forgotten our relationship, our eternal relationship with Krsna|Our real purpose of life is to become yogi. Yogi means to reestablish our connection, our lost connection, with God. At the present moment, in our material condition, we have forgotten our relationship, our eternal relationship with Krsna.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A man who has no control over the tongue at first can hardly become a yogi. Yogi and bhogi are two opposite terms. The bhogi, or the merry man who eats and drinks, cannot be a yogi, for a yogi is never allowed to eat and drink unrestrictedly|A man who has no control over the tongue at first can hardly become a yogi. Yogi and bhogi are two opposite terms. The bhogi, or the merry man who eats and drinks, cannot be a yogi, for a yogi is never allowed to eat and drink unrestrictedly.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:That is not yoga practice, smoking ganja, bidi, intoxication, tea, and he has become a yogi. These are useless, all bogus. Yoga means he has controlled his senses. Yoga indriya-samyamah|That is not yoga practice, smoking ganja, bidi, intoxication, tea, and he has become a yogi. These are useless, all bogus. Yoga means he has controlled his senses. Yoga indriya-samyamah.]]

=== First-Class Yogi ===

According to the ''Bhagavad-gītā'', the highest ''yogi'' is not the one who performs physical gymnastics, but the one who always thinks of Kṛṣṇa within the core of their heart. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that this state of ''man-manā bhava mad-bhakto'' (always thinking of Me and becoming My devotee) is the perfection of all mysticism. By simply absorbing the mind in Kṛṣṇa's name, form, and pastimes, a devotee immediately surpasses the preliminary stages of ''yoga'' and attains the highest platform.

* [[Vaniquotes:As soon as one always thinks of Krsna, he becomes a perfect yogi, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantaratmana (BG 6.47)). This antaratma, the mind, is conditioned by material nature|As soon as one always thinks of Krsna, he becomes a perfect yogi, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantaratmana (BG 6.47)). This antaratma, the mind, is conditioned by material nature.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Simply chant Hare Krsna and you become first-class yogi. And as soon as you become first-class yogi, all power is within you. Perhaps you do not know the yogic perfection, eight kinds of power|Simply chant Hare Krsna and you become first-class yogi. And as soon as you become first-class yogi, all power is within you. Perhaps you do not know the yogic perfection, eight kinds of power.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We are teaching our disciples to think of Krsna always, twenty-four hours. This Hare Krsna, if you chant and hear the word "Krsna," then you become the topmost yogi. And simplest method - anyone can practice it|We are teaching our disciples to think of Krsna always, twenty-four hours. This Hare Krsna, if you chant and hear the word "Krsna," then you become the topmost yogi. And simplest method - anyone can practice it.]]

=== Practical Yoga for the Modern Age ===

The traditional ''yoga'' system requires one to leave home, go to a secluded forest, and sit in meditation for years—a feat nearly impossible for people today. Śrīla Prabhupāda points out that even Arjuna, a close friend of Kṛṣṇa, rejected this difficult path as impractical. Instead, the process of ''bhakti-yoga'' allows one to remain in their social position—whether as a student, householder, or worker—and act as a ''yogi'' by dedicating the fruits of their labor to the Supreme Lord.

* [[Vaniquotes:Krsna advised Arjuna to become a yogi, but Arjuna said that - Krsna, it is not possible for me. Because I am a politician, I am a soldier, I cannot sit down to practice yoga superficially. My mind will be disturbed in political affairs, in state affairs|Krsna advised Arjuna to become a yogi, but Arjuna said that - Krsna, it is not possible for me. Because I am a politician, I am a soldier, I cannot sit down to practice yoga superficially. My mind will be disturbed in political affairs, in state affairs.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Krsna has said that, Of all the yogis, one who is thinking of Me within himself, he's the first-class yogi. So you can become a first-class yogi at home without any expenditure, without any loss|Krsna has said that, Of all the yogis, one who is thinking of Me within himself, he's the first-class yogi. So you can become a first-class yogi at home without any expenditure, without any loss.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Nobody is going to work without any remuneration. Everyone is working for getting some profit. That is called karma. But that ordinary karma and karma-yoga is different. You can engage yourself in ordinary work, but, at the same time, become a yogi|Nobody is going to work without any remuneration. Everyone is working for getting some profit. That is called karma. But that ordinary karma and karma-yoga is different. You can engage yourself in ordinary work, but, at the same time, become a yogi.]]

=== Conclusion ===

To summarize, becoming a ''yogi'' is not about acquiring mystic powers or performing impressive feats; it is about love and devotion. Śrīla Prabhupāda assures us that anyone who chants the Hare Kṛṣṇa ''mahā-mantra'' and engages in the service of the Lord is situated in the topmost ''yoga'' system. This path is easy, universal, and free from the dangers of falldown that plague the mechanical paths of asceticism.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Becoming a Yogi|Becoming a Yogi]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - Understanding Yoga]]

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